Difference in spa prices defended

There is still a 'bolt-on' charge to use the spa at Concordia Leisure Centre in Cramlington, pictured, but it is no longer available at Ashington.

Published:13:20Friday 11 November 2016

Share this article

Active Northumberland has set out its position on the different costs for users of its spa facilities in Ashington and Cramlington.

A new pricing structure came into effect at the start of the month in order to create one system for leisure centres across the county.

This has meant that the costs for some sessions and activities have increased and some have gone down, depending on the location, although monthly charges have gone up in a number of cases.

A change was also made in relation to the monthly ‘bolt-on’ charge to use a spa as part of a person’s membership.

Ellington resident Ron Hunt said he was surprised to find out that this is no longer available at Ashington Leisure Centre, but it remains in place (albeit a little more expensive) at Concordia Leisure Centre in Cramlington.

It now costs £25 for a single (half-day) visit at Ashington.

An Active Northumberland spokeswoman said: “The spa at Ashington has become increasingly popular with groups or parties and customers who are paying for spa access are finding that they regularly share the facility with larger numbers of people.

“This spa rivals commercial spas in the area and we have decided to operate it based on a commercial business model.

“A spa half-day session at a similar facility is upwards of £60, therefore we believe this option for a half-day session of £25 represents excellent value.

“For members who want to experience a spa as part of their membership, Concordia Leisure Centre in Cramlington is available under that arrangement.

“Cramlington operates a very different spa offer to Ashington, with no facility to provide treatments.

“Therefore, we must treat the two facilities differently and this arrangement allows us to offer two very different experiences for our customers and members.”